Lily Huynh/The Cougar
Getting involved in politics gives students a chance to explore a wide range of perspectives, even ones they wouldn’t normally agree with.
Students’ ability to expand their perspective is the key to becoming a more informed citizen, which helps them make political decisions that feel right to them. It can also increase awareness of how certain elective or government decisions impact the general public.
From learning about incumbents to going out and voting, here is a four-step guide on how students can get involved.
Research
Becoming politically active requires staying well-informed. Students must know what congressional district they reside in. Learning about the politicians who represent their state in Congress can also help enhance their political knowledge. To do this, visit those politicians’ official websites and read about their stances on current issues.
Start reading multiple news articles about recent events in or that affect Texas. To read unbiased, nuanced analysis of current state and national affairs, it is best to visit independent, non-partisan websites. Some examples include Tangle News and the Associated Press.
Outreach
Engaging with UH’s local community is crucial to becoming more politically active. The University is home to various political organizations, so students may find a few that appeal to their interests.
To start searching, visit the University’s Get Involved homepage, select “Find Organizations” and navigate to “Politics” as one of the search categories.
Attending political events like debates, rallies, protests and conferences will help students foster community with others who align with their beliefs.
Throughout the school year, most political organizations host meetings on campus to meet students and discuss important issues. It is important to attend these events because they can inform future voting decisions.
Listen
In college, there is always room for growth. Students who restrict themselves to one political party’s notions tend to close themselves off from people who have differing perspectives, thus preventing them from expanding their political understanding.
It’s important to engage in open-minded conversations with individuals who hold varying political beliefs. By doing so, students are challenging their own perspective and practicing how to articulate their opinions to other people, which can enhance their critical thinking.
Elect
Registering to vote may seem difficult at first, but the University offers a range of resources to assist students in the process.
The Center for Student Involvement’s website provides voter information, including crucial dates and deadlines for prospective voters. It also offers a comprehensive guide on the three methods for registering to vote.
As election days approach, voter registration tables are set up across the Student Centers, staffed by volunteers who are eager to guide students through the registration process.
For students who would like to confirm their registration, they can visit their personal voter portal on the Vote Texas website. They will be able to view their active voting status and locate nearby voting centers for future elections.
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